Fiber optic connector

ABSTRACT

A connector includes a ferrule assembly having a ferrule, a hub and a spring, the ferrule having a distal face accessible at a distal end of the connector housing, the ferrule being movable in a proximal direction relative to the connector housing. The distal and proximal positions are separated by an axial displacement distance. The ferrule proximal movement is against the spring&#39;s bias. The cable of the assembly includes an optical fiber contained within a jacket and also a strength layer between the fiber and the jacket that is anchored to the connector housing. The fiber extends through a fiber from the proximal end of the connector housing to the ferrule. The fiber has a distal portion potted within the ferrule. The fiber passage has a fiber take-up region configured to take-up an excess length of the fiber corresponding to the ferrule axial displacement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/204,672, filed Nov. 29, 2018; which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/837,290, filed Dec. 11, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,146,011; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/357,030, filed Nov. 21, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,841,566; which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/858,900, filed Sep.18, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,500,813; which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/154,352, filed Jan. 14, 2014, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,151,904; which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/420,286, filed Mar. 14, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,425,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.Nos. 61/510,711, filed Jul. 22, 2011; and 61/452,953, filed Mar. 15,2011, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to optical fiber communicationsystems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fiberoptic connectors used in optical fiber communication systems.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part becauseservice providers want to deliver high bandwidth communicationcapabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber opticcommunication systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmitlarge volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances.Optical fiber connectors are an important part of most fiber opticcommunication systems. Fiber optic connectors allow two optical fibersto be quickly optically connected without requiring a splice. Fiberoptic connectors can be used to optically interconnect two lengths ofoptical fiber. Fiber optic connectors can also be used to interconnectlengths of optical fiber to passive and active equipment.

A typical fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly supported ata distal end of a connector housing. A spring is used to bias theferrule assembly in a distal direction relative to the connectorhousing. The ferrule functions to support an end portion of at least oneoptical fiber (in the case of a multi-fiber ferrule, the ends ofmultiple fibers are supported). The ferrule has a distal end face atwhich a polished end of the optical fiber is located. When two fiberoptic connectors are interconnected, the distal end faces of theferrules abut one another and the ferrules are forced proximallyrelative to their respective connector housings against the bias oftheir respective springs. With the fiber optic connectors connected,their respective optical fibers are coaxially aligned such that the endfaces of the optical fibers directly oppose one another. In this way, anoptical signal can be transmitted from optical fiber to optical fiberthrough the aligned end faces of the optical fibers. For many fiberoptic connector styles, alignment between two fiber optic connectors isprovided through the use of an intermediate fiber optic adapter.

A fiber optic connector is often secured to the end of a correspondingfiber optic cable by anchoring strength numbers of the cable to theconnector housing of the connector. Anchoring is typically accomplishedthrough the use of conventional techniques such as crimps or adhesive.Anchoring the strength numbers of the cable to the connector housing isadvantageous because it allows tensile load applied to the cable to betransferred from the strength members of the cable directly to theconnector housing. In this way, the tensile load is not transferred tothe ferrule assembly of the fiber optic connector. If the tensile loadwere to be applied to the ferrule assembly, such tensile load couldcause the ferrule assembly to be pulled in a proximal direction againstthe bias of the connector spring thereby possibly causing an opticaldisconnection between the connector and its corresponding matedconnector. Fiber optic connectors of the type described above can bereferred to as pull-proof connectors.

As indicated above, when two fiber optic connectors are interconnectedtogether, the ferrules of the two connectors contact one another and arerespectively forced in proximal directions relative to their housingsagainst the bias of their respective connector springs. In the case ofpull-proof connectors, such proximal movement of the ferrules causes theoptical fibers secured to the ferrules to move proximally relative tothe connector housings and relative to the jackets of the fiber opticcables secured to the connectors. To accommodate this relative proximalmovement of the optical fibers, the fiber optic cables typically havesufficient interior space to allow the optical fibers to bend in amanner that does not compromise signal quality in a meaningful way.Typically, the bending comprises “macrobending” in which the bends haveradii of curvatures that are larger than the minimum bend radiusrequirements of the optical fiber.

A number of factors are important with respect to the design of a fiberoptic connector. One aspect relates to ease of manufacturing andassembly. Another aspect relates to connector size and the ability toprovide enhanced connector/circuit densities. Still another aspectrelates to the ability to provide high signal quality connections withminimal signal degradation.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connectorhaving features that facilitate connector assembly. For example, suchfeatures can include structures for enhancing guiding optical fibersinto a connector during assembly, and for facilitating applying epoxyinto a ferrule of a connector during assembly.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to fiber opticconnectors having features that prevent unacceptable bending of anoptical fiber when ferrules of the connectors are moved proximallyrelative to the connector housings as two connectors are coupledtogether. In certain embodiments, the connectors can include space foraccommodating macrobending of the optical fibers within the connectorhousings.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. The aspects relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventiveconcepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a fiber optic connector inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects the fiberoptic connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rear housing of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects the rearhousing of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a first end of a first insertioncap that can be used with the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second end of the insertion capof FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects theinsertion cap of FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a first end of a second insertioncap that can be used with the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second end of the insertion capof FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view that bisects the insertion cap ofFIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a first end of a strain reliefboot of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a second end of the strain reliefboot of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects the strainrelief boot of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of a second fiber opticconnector in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects the fiberoptic connector of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a first side of a half-piece of arear housing of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a second side of the half-piece ofFIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is side view showing the second side of the half-piece of FIGS.16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a first end of a first insertioncap that can be used with the fiber optic connector of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a second end of the insertion capof FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects theinsertion cap of FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a first end of a second insertioncap that can be used with the fiber optic connection of FIG. 14;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a second end of the insertion capof FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects theinsertion cap of FIGS. 22 and 23;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects a priorart fiber optic adapter;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 26-26 of FIG.2;

FIG. 27 is a top view of a prior art LC style fiber optic connector;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects the fiberoptic connector of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a perspective, exploded view of a third fiber optic connectorhaving features with inventive aspects in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a partially assembled perspective view of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a fully assembled perspective view of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a top view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects the fiberoptic connector of FIG. 29;

FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of two of the fiber opticconnectors of FIG. 29 coupled to a duplex LC fiber optic adapter;

FIG. 35 is a side view of the fiber optic connectors coupled to a duplexLC fiber optic adapter of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a top view of the fiber optic connectors coupled to a duplexLC fiber optic adapter of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of two of the fiber opticconnectors of FIG. 29 coupled together by a clip to form a duplex fiberoptic connector;

FIG. 38 is a top view of the duplex fiber optic connector of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a front housing of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 29;

FIG. 40 is a side view of the front housing of the fiber optic connectorof FIG. 39, with a portion of the front housing broken-away toillustrate the internal configuration thereof;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a rear housing of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 29;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects the rearhousing of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects theinsertion cap of the fiber optic connector shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a strain relief boot of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 29;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects the strainrelief boot of FIG. 41;

FIG. 46 is a perspective, exploded view of a fourth fiber opticconnector having features with inventive aspects in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 47 is a partially assembled perspective view of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a fully assembled perspective view of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a top view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 46;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view that longitudinally bisects the fiberoptic connector of FIG. 46;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a rear housing of the fiber opticconnector of FIG. 46;

FIG. 52 is a front view of the rear housing of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 53-53 of FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 54-54 of FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 55-55 of FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of an insertion cap that can be used withthe fiber optic connector of FIG. 46;

FIG. 57 is cross-sectional view that bisects the insertion cap of FIG.56;

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 58-58 of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 59-59 of FIG. 57;

FIG. 60 is a rear perspective view of an example embodiment of a crimpsleeve that might be used to anchor the optical fiber to the connectorhousing of a fiber optic connector;

FIG. 61 is a rear view of the crimp sleeve of FIG. 60;

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 62-62 of FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a rear perspective view of another example embodiment of acrimp sleeve that might be used to anchor the optical fiber to theconnector housing of a fiber optic connector;

FIG. 64 is a rear view of the crimp sleeve of FIG. 63; and

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 65-65 of FIG. 61;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first fiber optic connector 20 in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure. The fiber optic connector20 has a total length L₁ that extends from a distal end 22 of the fiberoptic connector 20 to a proximal end 24 of the fiber optic connector 20.The fiber optic connector 20 includes a ferrule assembly 26 that mountsadjacent the distal end 22 of the fiber optic connector 20. The ferruleassembly includes a ferrule 28, a hub 30 and a spring 31. The ferruleassembly 26 mounts at least partially within a connector housing 32including a distal housing portion 34 that interconnects with a proximalhousing portion 36. In one embodiment, the distal housing portion 34snaps over ribs 37 provided on the proximal housing portion 36 tointerlock the two housing portions together. The fiber optic connector20 also includes a release sleeve 38 that slidably mounts over theconnector housing 32. The fiber optic connector 20 further includes aninsertion cap 40A that mounts inside a proximal end 42 of the proximalhousing portion 36 and a crimp sleeve 44 that mounts around the exteriorof the proximal end 42 of the proximal housing portion 36. The proximalend 24 of the fiber optic connector 20 is configured to receive, anchorand provide strain relief/bend radius protection to a fiber optic cable46. The fiber optic cable 46 includes a jacket 48 surrounding at leastone optical fiber 50. The fiber optic cable 46 also includes a strengthlayer 52 formed by a plurality of strength members (e.g., reinforcingfibers such as aramid yarn/Kevlar) positioned between the optical fiber50 and the jacket 48. A distal end portion of the strength layer 52 iscrimped between the crimp sleeve 44 and the exterior surface of theproximal end 42 of the proximal housing portion 36 so as to anchor thestrength layer 52 to the connector housing 32. The optical fiber 50 isrouted through the total length L₁ of the fiber optic connector 20 andincludes a distal portion 54 secured within the ferrule 28. The fiberoptic connector 20 further includes a strain relief boot 56 mounted atthe proximal end 24 of the fiber optic connector 20 for providing strainrelief and bend radius protection to the optical fiber 50.

It will be appreciated that the fiber optic connector 20 is adapted tobe mechanically coupled to a like fiber optic connector by anintermediate fiber optic adapter. FIG. 25 shows an example fiber opticadapter 58 that can be used to couple two of the fiber optic connectors20 together. The fiber optic adapter 58 includes an adapter housing 59defining opposite, coaxially aligned ports 60, 62 for receiving two ofthe fiber optic connectors desired to be coupled together. The fiberoptic adapter 58 also includes an alignment sleeve 64 for receiving andaligning the ferrules 28 of the fiber optic connectors desired to beconnected together. The fiber optic adapter 58 further includes latches66 for mechanically retaining the fiber optic connectors 20 within theirrespective ports 60, 62. The latches 66 can be configured to engageshoulders 68 provided on the distal housing portions 34 of the fiberoptic connectors 20 being coupled together. Further details regardingthe fiber optic adapter 58 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,633,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the release sleeve 38 is shown asa conventional SC release sleeve. When the release sleeve 38 is mountedon the connector housing 32, the release sleeve 38 is free to slideback-and-forth in distal and proximal directions relative to theconnector housing 32 along a central longitudinal axis 70 of the fiberoptic connector 20. When the fiber optic connector 20 is inserted withinone of the ports 60, 62 of the fiber optic adapter 58, the keying rail72 provided on the release sleeve 38 ensures that the fiber opticconnector 20 is oriented at the appropriate rotational orientationrelative to the fiber optic adapter 58. When the fiber optic connector20 is fully inserted within its corresponding port 60, 62, the latches66 snap into a latching position in which the latches engage theshoulders 68 of the connector housing 32 to prevent the fiber opticconnector 20 from being proximally withdrawn from the port 60, 62. Therelease sleeve 38 is provided to allow the fiber optic connector 20 tobe selectively withdrawn from its respective port 60, 62. Specifically,by pulling the release sleeve 38 in a proximal direction, ramps 74 ofthe release sleeve disengage the latches 66 of the fiber optic adapter58 from the shoulders 68 of the fiber optic connector 20 therebyallowing the fiber optic connector 20 to be proximally withdrawn fromits respective port 60, 62.

Referring to FIG. 2, the ferrule 28 of the ferrule assembly 26 includesa distal end 76 and a proximal end 78. The distal end 76 projectsdistally outwardly beyond a distal end of the connector housing 32 andthe proximal end 78 is secured within the ferrule hub 30. When theconnector housing 32 is assembled as shown at FIG. 2, the ferrule hub 30and the spring 31 are captured between the distal housing portion 34 andthe proximal housing portion 36 of the connector housing 32. As soconfigured, the spring 31 is configured to bias the ferrule 28 in adistal direction relative to the connector housing 32. When two of thefiber optic connectors 20 are interconnected, their ferrules 28 areforced to move in proximal directions relative to their respectiveconnector housings 34 against the bias of their respective springs 31.The movement is along the central axes 70 of the mated fiber opticconnectors 20.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 26, the jacket 48 of the fiber optic cable 46preferably has a relatively small outer diameter D₁. In certainembodiments, the outer diameter D₁ can be less than 2 millimeters, orless than 1.5 millimeters, less than equal to about 1.2 millimeters. Incertain embodiments, the optical fiber 50 within the jacket 48 caninclude a core 90, a cladding layer 92 surrounding the core and one ormore coating layers 94 surrounding the cladding layer 92. In certainembodiments, the core 90 can have an outer diameter of about 10 microns,the cladding layer 92 can have an outer diameter of about 125 microns,and the one or more coating layers 94 can have an outer diameter in therange of about 240 to 260 microns. The strength layer 52 providestensile reinforcement to the cable 46. The strength layer 52 relativelyclosely surrounds the coating layer 94 of the optical fiber 50. Inaddition to providing tensile strength to the cable 46, the strengthlayer 52 also functions as a separator for separating the optical fiber50 from the outer jacket 48. In certain embodiments, no buffer layer orbuffer tube is provided between the coating layer 94 of the opticalfiber 50 and the strength layer 52. Further details regarding the fiberoptic cable 46 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,548,293, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

As shown at FIG. 2, the optical fiber 50 extends through the totallength L₁ of the fiber optic connector 20. For example, the opticalfiber 50 extends through the strain relief boot 56, the insertion cap40A, the connector housing 32 and the ferrule 28. In certainembodiments, a portion of the optical fiber 50 extending proximally fromthe ferrule 28 through the fiber optic connector 20 to the jacketedportion of the fiber optic cable 46 includes only the core 90, thecladding layer 92 and the one or more coating layers 94. The portion ofthe optical fiber 50 extending through the ferrule 28 typically onlyincludes the core 90 and the cladding layer 92. A distal most end faceof the optical fiber 50 is preferably polished as is conventionallyknown in the art.

As shown at FIG. 2, the insertion cap 40A (see FIGS. 5-7) is mountedwithin the proximal end 42 of the proximal housing portion 36 of theconnector housing 32. The insertion cap 40A has an inner diameter D₂sized to correspond with the outer diameter of the coating layer 94. Inalternative embodiments, it may be desirable to cover/protect theportion of the optical fiber 50 extending through the connector housing32 with a protective layer such as a 900 micron tube (e.g., a 900 micronfurcation tube). To accommodate such a protective tube, the insertioncap 40A can be replaced with an insertion cap 40B (see FIGS. 8-10)having an inner diameter D₃ that is larger than the inner diameter D₂.In certain embodiments, inner diameter D₃ can correspond to the outerdiameter of protective buffer tube provided about the coating layer 94of the optical fiber 50 within the connector housing 32.

The fiber optic connector 20 is a pull-proof connector in which thestrength layer 52 of the fiber optic cable 46 is anchored to theconnector housing 32 thereby preventing tensile loads from beingtransferred to the ferrule assembly 26. Because of this configuration,movement of the ferrule 28 in a proximal direction relative to theconnector housing 32 causes the optical fiber 50 to be forced/displacedin a proximal direction relative to the connector housing 32 and thejacket 48 of the fiber optic cable 46. In the depicted embodiment, theferrule 28 has a maximum axial displacement AD in the proximal directionduring the connection process. The axial displacement AD creates anexcess fiber length having a length equal to the length of the axialdisplacement AD. In certain embodiments, the maximum axial displacementAD can be 0.035 inches.

With regard to the axial displacement AD described above, it issignificant that the relatively small diameter of the fiber optic cable46 and the lack of open space within the interior of the jacket 48 donot allow the cable 46 to readily accommodate acceptable macrobending ofthe optical fiber 50 within the jacket 48 when the ferrule 28 is forcedin a proximal direction relative to the connector housing 32. Therefore,to prevent signal degradation related to microbending caused by theaxial displacement of the optical fiber 50 in the proximal direction,the connector 20 is itself preferably configured to take-up the excessfiber length corresponding to the axial displacement. To take-up theexcess fiber length, the fiber optic connector 20 includes features thatencourage a controlled, predictable and repeatable macrobend of theoptical fiber 50 within the connector housing 32 when the ferrule 28 isforced in a proximal direction relative to the connector housing 32. Inthis way, the fiber optic connector 20 itself accommodates theacceptable macrobending of the optical fiber 50 such that the opticalfiber 50 does not need to slide within the jacket 48 of the fiber opticcable 46 and does not require the optical fiber 52 to macro or microbendwithin the jacket 48 of the fiber optic cable 46 when the ferrule 28 isforced in a proximal direction relative to the connector housing 32.

To prevent unacceptable signal degradation, the fiber optic connector 20is preferably designed to take-up the optical fiber length correspondingto the axial displacement AD. For example, referring to FIG. 2, theconnector housing 32 includes a fiber take-up region 100 that extendsgenerally from a proximal end of the spring 31 to the proximal end 42 ofthe proximal housing portion 36. The fiber take-up region 100 includes apassage 101 that extends along the axis 70. As shown at FIG. 2, thepassage 101 has an intermediate section 102, a distal section 104 and aproximal section 106. The intermediate section 102 has an enlargedtransverse cross-sectional area as compared to the transversecross-sectional areas of the distal and proximal sections 104, 106. Thetransverse cross-sectional areas are taken along planes perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis 70 of the connector 20. The distal section 104 andthe intermediate section 102 are defined by the proximal housing portion36 (see FIG. 4). The distal section 104 of the passage 101 has a neckedconfiguration with a neck portion 104 a positioned between transitionportions 104 b and 104 c. The neck portion 104 a defines a minimumcross-dimension CD1 (e.g., an outer diameter) and minimum transversecross-sectional area of the distal section 104. The transition portion104 b provides a gradual reduction in transverse cross-sectional area(i.e., a funnel or taper toward the longitudinal axis 70) as thetransition portion 104 b extends from the intermediate section 102 ofthe passage 101 toward the neck portion 104 a. The transition portion104 c provides a gradual increase in transverse cross-sectional area(i.e., a funnel or taper away from the longitudinal axis 70) as thetransition portion 104 c extends from the neck portion 104 a toward thespring 31.

The proximal section 106 of the passage 101 is defined by the inside ofthe insertion cap 40A or the insertion cap 40B (depending on which oneis selected). For ease of explanation, the description herein willprimarily refer to the insertion cap 40A (see FIGS. 5-7). A minimumcross-dimension CD2 (e.g., an outer diameter) of the proximal section106 is defined near a proximal end of the insertion cap 40A. Theproximal section 106 includes a transition 106 a that provides areduction in transverse cross-sectional area as the transition 106 aextends in a proximal direction from the intermediate section 102 of thepassage 101 toward the minimum cross-dimension CD2. A chamfer 109 at theproximal end of the insertion cap 40A provides an increase in transversecross-sectional area as the chamfer 109 extends proximally from theminimum cross-dimension C2. The chamfer 109 can assist in providing bendradius protection with respect to the fiber passing through theinsertion cap 40A. It will be appreciated that by using the insertioncap 40B, the minimum diameter provided by the insertion cap can beenlarged so as to accommodate a productive buffer tube covering theoptical fiber 50 within the passage 101.

In certain embodiments, the minimum cross-dimension CD1 is greater thanthe minimum cross-dimension CD2. In other embodiments, the minimumcross-dimension CD1 is at least twice as large as the minimumcross-dimension CD2. In other embodiments, the minimum cross-dimensionCD1 is generally equal to the minimum cross-dimension CD2. In stillfurther embodiments, a maximum cross-dimension CD3 of the passage 101 isat least 1.5 times or 2 times as large as the minimum cross-dimensionCD1. In still other embodiments, the maximum cross-dimension CD3 of thepassage 101 is at least 2, 3 or 4 times as large as the minimumcross-dimension CD2.

It will be appreciated that the length and transverse cross-sectionaldimensions of the fiber take-up region 100 are selected to accommodatethe excess length of fiber corresponding to the axial displacementdistance AD. When the ferrule 28 is pushed in a proximal direction, theconfiguration of the fiber take-up region 100 causes the optical fiber50 to move from a generally straight path SP along the axis 70 to a paththat follows generally along a single macrobend 120 (shown at FIG. 2)that extends along the surface of the fiber take-up region 100 from thedistal section 104 through the intermediate section 102 to the proximalsection 106. The increase in length between the straight path and thecurved path equals the axial displacement distance AD. The transitions104 b, 106 a provided at the proximal and distal sections 104, 106 ofthe passage 101 help to encourage the fiber to form the single microbendin a predictable, repeatable manner as the ferrule 28 is forced in aproximal direction relative to the connector housing 32 during aconnection process. In certain embodiments, the fiber take-up region isconfigured to take up at least 0.015 inches, or at least 0.025 inches orat least 0.035 inches of excess fiber length.

In addition to the advantages provided above, the transition 104 b alsofacilitates assembly of the fiber optic connector 20. Specifically,during assembly, the optical fiber 50 is inserted in a distal directionthrough the proximal end 42 of the connector housing 32 and is directedthrough the length of the connector housing into the ferrule 28. Thetransition 104 b assists in guiding the fiber 50 into the ferrule 28during the fiber insertion process.

Referring to FIG. 7, the insertion cap 40A includes a sleeve portion 110having a cylindrical outer surface that fits inside the proximal end 42of the connector housing 32. The insertion cap 40A also includes aflange 112 at a proximal end of the sleeve portion 110. The flange 112projects radially outwardly from the cylindrical outer surface of thesleeve portion 110 and forms a proximal end of the insertion cap 40A.The flange 112 abuts against the proximal end 42 of the connectorhousing 32 when the insertion cap 40A is inserted therein. The inside ofthe insertion cap 40A defines the proximal section 106 of the passage101 which extends in a proximal to distal direction through theinsertion cap 40A. The insertion cap 40B has a similar configuration asthe insertion cap 40A, except the minimum inner cross-dimension CD2(e.g., inner diameter) of the insertion cap 40B is larger than theminimum cross-dimension CD2 of the insertion cap 40A so as to betteraccommodate a protective tube covering the coated fiber 50 within theconnector housing 32.

The use of the insertion cap 40A or the insertion cap 40B allows theproximal end 42 of the connector housing 32 to have a relatively largeopen transverse cross-sectional area which corresponds to the maximumcross-dimension CD3 of the passage 101. This large transversecross-sectional area is advantageous because it facilitates deliveringpotting material (e.g., and adhesive material such as epoxy) to the backside of the ferrule 28 during assembly for potting the fiber 50 withinthe ferrule 28. Typically, a needle can be used to deliver pottingmaterial to the ferrule 28. The large cross-sectional area providesbetter access for allowing a needle to be inserted through the proximalend of the connector housing 32 to accurately injecting potting materialinto the ferrule 28.

Referring to FIG. 1, the crimp sleeve 44 of the fiber optic connector 20includes a sleeve portion 140 and a stub portion 142 that projectsproximately outwardly from a proximal end of the sleeve portion 140. Aradial in-step 141 is provided between the sleeve portion 140 and thestub portion 142 such that the sleeve portion 140 has a larger diameterthan the stub portion 142. A passage extends axially throughout thelength of the crimp sleeve 44. The passage has a smaller diameterthrough the stub portion 142 and a larger diameter through the sleeveportion 140. When the fiber optic connector 20 is assembled, the sleeveportion 140 is crimped about the exterior surface of the connectorhousing 32 adjacent the proximal end 42 of the connector housing 32 (seeFIG. 2). The exterior surface of the connector housing 32 can betextured (e.g., knurled, ridged, provided with small projections, etc.)to assist in retaining the crimp on the housing 32. Preferably, a distalportion of the strength layer 52 of the fiber optic cable 46 is crimpedbetween the sleeve portion 140 and the exterior surface of the connectorhousing 32 such that the strength layer 52 of the cable 46 is anchoredrelative to the connector housing 32.

In certain embodiments (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), the sleeve portion140 of the crimp sleeve may include an annular rib 143 on an exteriorsurface thereof. The annular rib 143 may provide additional material forthe crimp sleeve 44 at spots or regions that will tend to deform whenthe crimp sleeve 44 is crimped at the sleeve portion 140.

The stub portion 142 fits within a pocket 144 provided within the strainrelief boot 56. The stub portion 142 coaxially aligns with the centrallongitudinal axis 70 of the fiber optic connector 20. The insertion cap40A is captured between the proximal end 42 of the connector housing 32and the crimp sleeve 44. In this way, the crimp sleeve 44 assists inretaining the insertion cap 40A in the proximal end 42 of the connectorhousing 32. The insertion cap 40A can also be held within the connectorhousing 22 by an adhesive material such as epoxy.

In certain embodiments, it can be advantageous to crimp the stub portion142 of the crimp sleeve against the outer jacket 48 of the fiber opticcable 46 such that any space between the outer jacket 48 and the opticalfiber 50 is eliminated within the cable 46 and the optical fiber 50 getspinched against the inner surface of the jacket 48 of the fiber opticcable 46. As such, the optical fiber 50, as well as the strength layer52, can be anchored relative to the connector housing 32 adjacent theproximal end 42 thereof. The location where the optical fiber 52 itselfis crimped to the connector housing 32 may be called the fiber anchorlocation 51 (see FIG. 2).

Anchoring the optical fiber 50 relative to the proximal end 42 of theconnector housing 32 can isolate the movable ferrule assembly 26 fromthe rest of the fiber optic cable 46 that is not pinched or crimped tothe connector housing 32. This is advantageous because, if the opticalfiber 50 were not anchored to the connector housing 32, in certaininstances, the optical fiber 50 may slide within the outer jacket 48,interfering with the predictability and the repeatability of themacrobending that takes place within the fiber take-up region 100 whenthe ferrule 28 is forced in a proximal direction. For example, if a longfiber optic cable 46 were to be spooled around a spool structure, thefiber 50 might tend to migrate toward the inner diameter side of thecable within the cable and might move a different distance than theouter jacket 48 itself. If the fiber 50 were to slide within the outerjacket 48 toward the ferrule assembly 26, that would create extra fiberwithin the connector, interfering with the predictability of theacceptable macrobending that takes place within the fiber take-up region100.

In other instances, for example, if a tensile load was applied to thecable in a proximal direction away from the connector, the outer jacket48 of the cable 46 might stretch inelastically and the optical fiber 50could slidably move within the jacket, relative to the jacket, causing apulling force on the ferrule assembly 26. Thus, by anchoring the opticalfiber 50 to the connector housing 32 adjacent the proximal end 42through the use of the crimp sleeve 44, the movable ferrule assembly 26is isolated from the rest of the fiber optic cable 46 that is notcrimped to the connector housing 32. As such, axial load is nottransferred in either direction across the anchor location. The anchorrestricts/prevents relative movement between the optical fiber and thejacket at the fiber anchor location. In this way, the portion of thefiber within the connector and the portion of the fiber within the mainlength of the cable are mechanically isolated from one another. Theconnector of the present disclosure, thus, can operate as designed andutilize the fiber take-up region 100 to provide for a predictable and arepeatable macrobend when the ferrule is moved in a proximal directionrelative to the connector housing 32.

FIGS. 60-65 illustrate two different embodiments of crimp sleeves 544,644 that include annular ribs on an exterior surface of the stubportions thereof. Even though the other embodiments of the crimp sleevesdisclosed in the present application can be used to crimp the stubportion thereof against the outer jacket 48 of the fiber optic cable 46such that the optical fiber 50 gets pinched against the inner surface ofthe jacket 48 of the fiber optic cable 46, the crimp sleeves 544 and 644shown in FIGS. 60-65 may provide for additional material for the stubportions of the crimp sleeve at spots or regions that might tend todeform when the crimp sleeve is crimped at the stub portion.

In the embodiment of the crimp sleeve 544 shown in FIGS. 60-62, the stubportion 542 of the sleeve 544 includes a first annular rib 543 at aproximal end 547 thereof and a second annular rib 545 at an intermediatelocation between the proximal end 547 and the radial in-step 541 of thecrimp sleeve 544.

In the embodiment of the crimp sleeve 644 shown in FIGS. 63-65, the stubportion 642 of the sleeve 644 includes a single, wider annular rib 643at a proximal end 647 thereof.

In the depicted embodiment, the fiber anchor location is defined asbeing at a location that is not at a splice location where two segmentsof optical fiber are spliced together. In the present disclosure, theoptical fiber is directly terminated in the connector and the connectoris not a splice-on connector.

To assemble the fiber optic connector 20, the ferrule assembly 26 isfirst loaded into the distal housing portion 34 of the connector housing32. Next, the proximal housing portion 36 is connected to the distalhousing 34 (e.g., by a snap fit connection) such that the ferrule hub 30and the spring 31 are captured within the connector housing 32 at alocation between the distal housing portion 34 and the proximal housingportion 46. Next, an epoxy needle is inserted through the proximal end42 of the proximal housing portion 36 and is used to inject epoxy intothe fiber passage defined through the ferrule 28. Once the epoxy hasbeen applied, the epoxy needle is removed and the insertion cap 40A orthe insertion cap 40B is inserted into the proximal end 42 of theconnector housing 32. Thereafter, the strain relief boot 56 and thecrimp sleeve 44 are inserted over the fiber optic cable 46 and a distalend portion of the cable is prepared.

As part of the cable preparation process, the jacket 48 is stripped fromthe distal end portion of the optical fiber. Also, the coating layers 94are stripped from the distalmost portion of the optical fiber 50intended to be inserted through the passage defined by the ferrule 28.Moreover, the strength layer 52 is trimmed to a desired length. Once thefiber optic cable 46 has been prepared, the distal end portion of theoptical fiber 50 is inserted through the insertion cap 40A and into theferrule 28 which has been potted with epoxy. During the insertionprocess, the transition 104 b assists in guiding the distalmost endportion of the optical fiber 50 into the ferrule 28. Once the fiberinsertion process has been completed, the crimp sleeve 44 is sliddistally over the proximal end 42 of the connector housing 32 and usedto crimp the distal end of the strength layer 52 about the exteriorsurface of the connector housing 32 adjacent to the proximal end 42. Thestrain relief boot 56 is then slid distally over the crimp sleeve 44 andproximal end 42 of the housing 32. Finally, the release sleeve 38 isinserted over the distal end 22 of the fiber optic connector 20 andsnapped into place over the connector housing 32.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the strain relief boot 56 of the fiber opticconnector 20 includes a distal end 200 and an opposite proximal end 202.The strain relief boot defines an inner passage 204 that extends throughthe boot from the proximal end 202 to the distal end 200. When the boot56 is mounted on the connector housing 32, the inner passage 204 alignswith the central longitudinal axis 70 of the fiber optic connector 20.The boot 56 includes a connection portion 206 positioned adjacent thedistal end 200 and a tapered, strain relief portion 208 positionedadjacent the proximal end 202. The connection portion 206 has a largercross-dimension than a corresponding cross-dimension of the tapered,strain relief portion 208. A transition portion 210 is positionedbetween the connection portion 206 and the tapered, strain reliefportion 208. An outer surface of the transition portion provides agradual increase in cross-dimension as the outer surface extends fromthe tapered, strain relief portion 208 to the connection portion 206.The outer surface of the transition portion 210 can be pushed tofacilitate inserting the connection portion 206 over the proximal end 42of the connector housing 32 during assembly of the fiber optic connector20. Further details about the boot 56 are provided in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/452,935, which has been assigned AttorneyDocket No. 2316.3201USP1, which is entitled STRAIN RELIEF BOOT FOR AFIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR, and which has been filed on a date concurrentwith the filing of the present application.

For the connector 20, the proximal housing portion 36, the insertion cap40A and the insertion cap 40B are all depicted as machined metal parts.FIGS. 14-24 show various parts of another fiber optic connector 20′ inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The connector20′ has been modified with respect to the connector 20 so as to includea proximal housing portion 36′, an insertion cap 40A′ and an insertioncap 40B′ which are all made of molded plastic. The other components ofthe connector 20′ are the same as the connector 20. In FIG. 15, theinsertion cap 40B′ is shown installed within the connector 20′, and aprotective outer tube 149 is shown protecting the portion of the coatedoptical fiber 50 that extends from the proximal side of the ferrule tothe boot. The proximal housing portion 36′ is formed by two moldedhalf-pieces 36 a that mate together to form the proximal housing portion36′. The half-pieces 36 a can be bonded together with an adhesive orheld together mechanically by one or more fasteners such as crimps.According to certain embodiments, the half-pieces 36 a may be heldtogether by a snap-fit interlock. According to the example embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 14-24, each half piece 36 a includes flexiblecantilever arms 41 on one side 43 of the half-piece 36 a and notches 45on the radially opposite side 47 of the half-piece 36 a (see FIGS.16-17). Each cantilever arm 41 defines a tab 49 at the end of the arm 41that is configured to snap over shoulders 51 defined at the notches 45when two half-pieces 36 a are interlocked together. The cantilever arms41 and the notches 45 of one half-piece 36 a are provided on oppositesides with respect to the arms 41 and notches 45, respectively, of theother half-piece 36 a. As such, when the two half-pieces 36 a arebrought together for a snap-fit interlock, the cantilever arms 41 of onehalf-piece 36 a align with the notches 45 of the opposing half-piece 36a and vice versa.

The molding process used to manufacture the proximal housing portion 36′allows the interior of the proximal housing portion 36′ to be providedwith a continuous curve 150 that extends along the length of the take-upregion of connector 20′. The insertion caps 40A′ and 40B′ are similar tothe insertion caps 40A, 40B except the parts are molded plastic partswith the inner diameter transitions at the proximal and distal ends ofthe caps have a more curved profile.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate a prior art fiber optic connector 220 in theform of a conventional LC connector. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, theconventional LC connector 220 includes a connector housing 222 defininga distal housing portion 224 and a proximal housing portion 226. The LCconnector 220 includes a ferrule assembly 228 defined by a ferrule 230,a hub 232, and a spring 234. A proximal end 236 of the ferrule 230 issecured within the ferrule hub 232. When the LC connector 220 isassembled, the ferrule hub 232 and the spring 234 are captured betweenthe distal housing portion 224 and the proximal housing portion 226 ofthe connector housing 222 and a distal end 238 of the ferrule 230projects distally outwardly beyond a distal end 240 of the connectorhousing 222. The spring 234 is configured to bias the ferrule 230 in adistal direction relative to the connector housing 222.

According to certain embodiments, the distal housing portion 224 may beformed from a molded plastic. The distal housing portion 224 defines alatch 242 extending from a top wall 244 of the distal housing portion224 toward the proximal end 246, the latch 242 extending at an acuteangle with respect to the top wall 244 of the distal housing portion224. The distal housing portion 224 also includes a latch trigger 248that extends from the proximal end 246 of the distal housing portion 224toward the distal end 240. The latch trigger 248 also extends at anacute angle with respect to the top wall 244. The latch trigger 248 isconfigured to come into contact with the latch 242 for flexibly movingthe latch 242 downwardly.

As is known in the art, when the fiber optic connector 220 is placed inan LC adapter 250 for optically coupling light from two optical fiberstogether, the latch 242 functions to lock the fiber optic connector 220in place within the adapter 250. The fiber optic connector 220 may beremoved from the adapter 250 by depressing the latch trigger 248, whichcauses the latch 242 to be pressed in a downward direction, freeingcatch portions 252 of the latch 242 from the fiber optic adapter 250.

The region of the distal housing portion 224 from where the latchtrigger 248 extends defines a pin hole 254. The pin hole 254 isconfigured to receive a pin for forming a duplex LC connector bycoupling two simplex connectors 220 in a side-by-side orientation.

Still referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, a strain relief boot 256 is slidover a proximal end 258 of the proximal housing portion 226 and snapsover a boot flange 260 to retain the boot 256 with respect to theconnector housing 222. The proximal end 258 of the proximal housingportion 226 defines a crimp region 262 for crimping a fiber opticcable's strength layer to the proximal housing portion 226, normallywith the use of a crimp sleeve (not shown). The exterior surface 264 ofthe proximal housing portion 226 defining the crimp region 262 can betextured (e.g., knurled, ridged, provided with small projections, etc.)to assist in retaining the crimp on the housing 222.

As discussed above with respect to the embodiments of the SC connectorshown in FIGS. 1-26, movement of the ferrule 230 of the LC connector ina proximal direction relative to the connector housing 222 causes theoptical fiber to be forced/displaced in a proximal direction relative tothe connector housing 222 and the jacket of the fiber optic cable.However, in the conventional LC connector 220 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28,the passage 266 defined by the proximal housing portion 226 that extendsalong the longitudinal axis of the connector 220 defines a generallyuniform inner diameter DLC similar in size to the diameter of theportion of the optical fiber that includes the core, the cladding layerand the one or more coating layers. As such, the proximal housingportion 226 of a conventional LC connector 220 does not include a fibertake-up region to prevent signal degradation related to microbendingcaused by the axial displacement of the optical fiber in the proximaldirection.

FIGS. 29-45 illustrate various parts of a third fiber optic connector300 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Theconnector 300 includes inventive features similar to those shown anddescribed for the SC type connectors 20, 20′ of FIGS. 1-26, however, isprovided in an LC connector footprint.

Referring to FIGS. 29-45, the fiber optic connector 300 includes aconnector housing 301 including a distal housing portion 302 and aproximal housing portion 304. The distal housing portion 302 is similarin configuration to that of a conventional LC connector and includes aferrule assembly 306 defined by a ferrule 308, a hub 310, and a spring312 mounted therein. The ferrule hub 310 and the spring 312 are capturedwithin the distal housing portion 302 by the proximal housing portion304 of the connector housing 301. The distal housing portion 302 definesslots 314 that are configured to receive ribs 316 formed at a distal end318 of the proximal housing portion 304 for snap-fitting the two housingportions 302, 304 together.

An insertion cap 320 having features similar to insertion caps 40A and40A′ is inserted into a proximal end 322 of the proximal housing portion304. As discussed above with respect to the SC style connectors 20, 20′,an alternative embodiment of an insertion cap having a larger innerdiameter for accommodating a protective tubing can also be used. A crimpsleeve 324 is inserted over the proximal end 322 of the proximal housingportion 304 and captures the insertion cap 320 thereagainst. The crimpsleeve 324 is used to crimp a fiber optic cable in a manner similar tothat described above for the SC style connectors 20, 20′.

A strain relief boot 326 is mounted over the proximal end 322 of theproximal housing portion 304. The strain relief boot 326 includes aconnection portion 328 defining a generally circular inner passage 330(see FIGS. 44 and 45). An annular inner lip 332 defined at a distal end334 of the strain relief boot 326 mounts over a generally round bootflange 336 defined on the outer surface 338 of the proximal housingportion 304. When the strain relief boot 326 is mounted over theproximal housing portion 304, the distal end 334 of the strain reliefboot 326 abuts against a stop ring 340. As shown in FIG. 33, the stopring 340 defines a conical configuration 342 along the longitudinaldirection of the connector 300, the ring 340 tapering down as it extendsfrom a proximal end 344 toward a distal end 346.

When the fiber optic connector 300 is fully assembled, the connector 300retains the overall outer dimension of a conventional LC connector suchthat two fiber optic connectors 300 can be mounted side by side in astandard duplex configuration. FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate two of thefiber optic connectors 300 mounted together using a duplex clip 348.FIGS. 34-36 illustrate two of the fiber optic connectors 300 mounted ina standard duplex LC adapter 250 in a side by side configuration.

As noted above, as shown in FIGS. 33, 42, and 43, the proximal housingportion 304 and the insertion cap 320 of the connector 300 areconfigured to provide a fiber take-up spacing 350 for allowingmacrobending of the optical fiber within the connector housing 301, in asimilar fashion to that described above for the SC style connectors 20,20′. For the connector 300, the proximal housing portion 304 and theinsertion cap 320 are depicted as machined metal parts.

FIGS. 46-59 illustrate various parts of a fourth embodiment of a fiberoptic connector 400 in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure. The connector 400 has been modified with respect to theconnector 300 so as to include a proximal housing portion 402 and aninsertion cap 404 which are made of molded plastic. In addition, unlikethe proximal housing portion 304 of the connector 300 described above,which has a fiber take-up region 350 defined by a circular passage 352extending from the proximal end 322 of the proximal housing portion 304to the distal end 318 thereof, the proximal housing portion 402 of theconnector housing 406 defines an obround passage 408 that transitions toa generally circular passage 410 as it extends from a proximal end 412of the proximal housing portion 402 to the distal end 414 thereof. Asshown in FIG. 54, the passage defines an obround configuration 408 fromthe proximal end 412 until it reaches the transition portion 416 comingbefore the neck portion 418. The obround portion 408 of the passage isprovided to increase the predictability of the bending of the fiber asthe fiber is exposed to axial displacement within the connector 400 andcontrol the direction of the bend.

As shown in the cross-sectional views provided in FIGS. 52 and 53, theobround portion 408 of the passage defines a larger cross-dimension CDOalong a first direction DO1 (taken along lines 55-55 of FIG. 54) than asecond direction DO2 (taken along lines 53-53 of FIG. 52). In addition,by providing an obround internal passage 408, the size of the opening420 at the proximal end 412 of the proximal housing portion 402 isincreased relative to the annular circular opening 354 of the connector300 shown in FIGS. 29-45 when that opening 420 is measured along thelonger cross dimension CDO of the obround passage 408. By providing anobround passage 408, the sidewall 422 defined along the longer crossdimension CDO of the obround passage 408 is able to be decreasedrelative to a uniform sidewall 356 that is provided about the circularopening 354 of the connector 300.

The insertion cap 404 of the connector 400 defines a stub portion 426having an exterior obround configuration 428 to match that of theproximal end 412 of the proximal housing portion 402. As shown in FIGS.56-59, the insertion cap 404 also defines an internal passage 430 thattransitions from a generally circular opening 432 to an obroundconfiguration 434 as the passage 430 extends from the proximal end 436to the distal end 438 of the insertion cap 404. The obround portion 434of the passage 430 cooperates with the obround portion 408 of theinternal passage of the proximal housing portion 402 in controlling thedirection of the fiber bend.

Although in the foregoing description, terms such as “top”, “bottom”,“front”, “back”, “rear”, “right”, “left”, “upper”, and “lower may havebeen used for ease of description and illustration, no restriction isintended by such use of the terms. The connectors described herein canbe used in any orientation, depending upon the desired application.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of theinventive aspects of the disclosure. Many embodiments of the disclosurecan be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventiveaspects of the disclosure.

1-35. (canceled)
 36. A fiber optic connector comprising: a connector housing defining a distal end and a proximal end; and a fiber passage extending between the distal end and the proximal end of the connector housing, wherein the fiber passage of the fiber optic connector has a fiber take-up region that is configured to take-up an excess length of optical fiber within the fiber passage, the fiber take-up region defining a transverse cross-sectional area that is smaller than at least one of a distal section defining a distal transverse cross-sectional area and a proximal section defining a proximal transverse cross-sectional area, wherein the fiber passage further defines a transition portion between at least one of the distal section and the fiber take-up region and the proximal section and the fiber take-up region, the transition portion defining a gradual increase in transverse cross-sectional area as at least one of the distal and proximal sections transitions to the fiber take-up region so as to form a funnel shaped passage at the transition portion.
 37. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, further including a ferrule assembly having a ferrule, a ferrule hub, and a ferrule spring, the ferrule spring biasing the ferrule in a distal direction relative to the connector housing.
 38. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, further comprising a fiber optic cable terminated to the connector, the fiber optic cable including an optical fiber contained within a cable jacket, the fiber optic cable also including a strength layer positioned between the optical fiber and the cable jacket, the strength layer being anchored to the connector housing, the optical fiber extending through the fiber passage of the fiber optic connector from the proximal end of the connector housing to the ferrule, the optical fiber having a distal portion secured within the ferrule.
 39. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, wherein the fiber take-up region defines an intermediate section positioned between the distal section and the proximal section, the intermediate section defining an intermediate transverse cross-sectional area, wherein the distal transverse cross-sectional area and the proximal transverse cross-sectional area each being smaller than the intermediate transverse cross-sectional area.
 40. The fiber optic connector of claim 39, wherein the distal transverse cross-sectional area is defined at a location that is proximally offset from the distal end of the connector housing.
 41. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, wherein the connector housing is defined by a distal housing portion that removably connects to a proximal housing portion, the distal housing portion defining the distal end of the connector housing and the proximal housing portion defining the proximal end of the connector housing.
 42. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, wherein the fiber optic connector is an SC style connector that includes a release sleeve that slidably mounts over the connector housing.
 43. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, wherein the fiber optic connector is an LC style connector that includes a flexible latch extending at an acute angle from a top wall of the connector housing in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end.
 44. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, wherein the fiber optic connector further comprises a strain relief boot coupled adjacent the proximal end of the connector housing.
 45. The fiber optic connector of claim 36, wherein at least a portion of the fiber take-up region defines an obround configuration.
 46. The fiber optic connector of claim 45, wherein the fiber take-up region transitions from an obround configuration to a circular configuration as the fiber passage extends from the proximal end of the connector housing toward the distal end of the connector housing.
 47. The fiber optic connector of claim 39, wherein the intermediate section has a cross-dimension that is at least two times as large as a cross-dimension of the distal section.
 48. The fiber optic connector of claim 39, wherein the intermediate section has a cross-dimension that is at least two times as large as a cross-dimension of the proximal section.
 49. The fiber optic connector of claim 47, wherein the intermediate section has a cross-dimension that is at least three times as large as a cross-dimension of the distal section.
 50. The fiber optic connector of claim 48, wherein the intermediate section has a cross-dimension that is at least three times as large as a cross-dimension of the proximal section.
 51. The fiber optic connector of claim 39, wherein the intermediate section has a cross-dimension that is at least two times as large as a cross-dimension of the proximal section and that is at least two times as large as a cross-dimension of the distal section.
 52. The fiber optic connector of claim 38, wherein the cable jacket has an outer diameter less than 1.5 millimeters.
 53. The fiber optic connector of claim 52, wherein the outer diameter of the cable jacket is less than or equal to 1.2 millimeters.
 54. The fiber optic connector of claim 37, wherein the ferrule is movable in a proximal direction relative to the connector housing from a distal position to a proximal position, the distal and proximal positions being separated by an axial displacement distance, the proximal movement of the ferrule being against the bias of the ferrule spring, wherein the axial displacement distance is at least 0.015 inches.
 55. The fiber optic connector of claim 54, wherein the axial displacement distance is at least 0.025 inches. 